The advantage of using cows in the woods to control this understorey rather than intervention by us and brushcutting with machines, is that the cows also help break up the root structure of the bracken and bramble. This helps impede any regrowth as well opening up the soil crust for seeds from surrounding trees to grow.
This isn’t an artificial quick fix to get rid of what we don’t want, it's more a management of what would have been the natural balance. Cows are very happy as woodland animals but it is the fences that have prevented them from grazing these areas that have been able to develop. We are now using the fences as a way of allowing these wooded areas just enough grazing, as with everything, moderation is the best thing for a good balance.
It has also been a good opportunity to work with our tenant as it has relieved grazing pressures on the fields, allowing them to rest, as well as reducing fodder requirements due to the additional grazing.
From grazing cattle to a more general overview of countryside management, come back for a look at what else goes on and how we manage the many sites within the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire team.